Comparisons of the four square step test and the four square step test on foam surface in their accuracy to discriminate between elderly with and without fall history

Abstract

The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the intra-rater reliability, inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity of the four square step test with foam (FSST+foam) and 2) to compare the four square step test (FSST) and the FSST+foam in their accuracy for discriminating among faller elderly, non-faller elderly, and adults. Twelve participants (4 each group) were assessed by the FSST, FSST+foam, timed up and go test (TUG) and five times sit to stand test (FTSST). The intraclass correlation coefficient and correlation coefficient were calculated to determine the reliability and validity, respectively. To investigate the accuracy for discriminating between groups, fifty-four participants (18 each group) were assessed using the FSST and FSST+foam. The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to compare their accuracy. The results showed that FSST+foam was high inter-rater and intra-rater reliability as well as high validity with TUG and FTSST. Also, the FSST+foam was more accurate than FSST for discriminating between faller, non-faller elderly and adults.